The Wallabies skipper ended a 308-day wait on the sidelines with hamstring and ankle problems when he finally led out his beloved Reds against the South African conference leaders in front of the 28,399-strong Brisbane faithful.

However, Horwill might still have some anxious days ahead of him based on the Reds' erratic display.

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He watched hopelessly from the bench after his 40-minute comeback cameo as the Bulls not only reeled in a 13-6 halftime deficit by the 49th minute but threatened to snatch a last-gasp victory.

The Bulls looked to have sealed it when Bjorn Basson crashed over after the siren - only for video replays to show Chris Feauai-Sautia's tackle had forced the winger to put a stray foot into touch.

In the end, an error-riddled Queensland (4-2 record) somehow emerged victorious against the relentless South Africans (3-2).

Queensland's frustrating form was best summed up by the opening minutes of the second half.

They were their own worst enemies as silly mistakes gifted three penalties in six minutes, allowing the Bulls to reclaim the lead 15-13 just nine minutes into the second half.

However, in what appeared a square-up after Reds No.15 Jono Lance's dubious first-half yellow card, Bulls winger Grenton Mapoe was sin-binned in the 52nd minute for a lifting tackle on Reds prop James Slipper.

And the Reds pounced.

No.10 Quade Cooper combined beautifully with halves partner Will Genia to exploit their sudden one-man advantage on the left edge and cross a minute later to establish a 20-15 lead.

Both sides exchanged penalties, setting the scene for the heart-stopping finale.

Genia set up the halftime buffer when he inspired phase after phase before a jinking Cooper set up Lance with just minutes left on the clock in the first half.

Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie equalled Robbie Deans' record of 120 Super Rugby games as coach on Saturday night.